Family Matters: It’s Getting Cold Outside

The colder months are upon us now, but that doesn’t mean your infant can’t – or shouldn’t – go outside. It’s really OK for babies to be exposed to the cold as long as you use some common sense. After all, you catch cold from a virus, not the temperature outside.

Be sure to keep a hat on baby, especially if it’s a newborn or small infant. Most of the body’s heat is lost through the head.

Resist the urge to put baby to sleep with blankets; that can increase the risk of SIDS. Instead, use a fitted flannel sheet on his bed and dress him in a fleece bunting sleep sack or a sleeper with built-in feet.

Tip 0-6 months: Warm baby’s crib with a hot water bottle or heating pad before you put baby to sleep, but be sure to remove it before you snuggle him in!